FISU webinar considers stronger women’s influence in sport governance

FISU’s 10 March gender equality webinar attracted 178 live participants for a discussion involving athletes, leaders and advocates. Moderated by Svea Thamsen, the session examined how representation can translate into influence over decisions and priorities in university sport.

Paralympic champion Gizem Girismen emphasised education, mentoring and leadership opportunities alongside policy frameworks. IOC official Pedro Dias discussed institutional cooperation, while student-athlete Sabrina Miyabara described unequal rewards and limited women’s competition opportunities she had encountered.

FISU president Leonz Eder outlined proposed executive committee reforms for consideration at the next Extraordinary General Assembly. A 40-40-20 model would guarantee at least forty percent women and forty percent men, leaving the remaining twenty percent open to either gender. The proposal forms part of wider strategic and statute discussions.